Examining the Connection between Religion and Attitude toward Socio-Economic Human Rights and Attitude toward Euthanasia and Abortion among Romanian Orthodox Adolescents: Contrasting the Effects of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Religiosity.

Silviu E. Rogobete,Ursula McKenna,Leslie J. Francis

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010837

Abstract

This study examines the complex connection linking religion, social attitudes, and human rights in Romania, drawing on the classic distinction between extrinsic religiosity (as reflected in church attendance) and intrinsic religiosity (as reflected in personal prayer). The hypothesis that these forms of religiosity may function differently in relation to different areas of social attitudes is tested among Romanian Orthodox adolescents (N = 400), drawing on validated measures developed by the International Empirical Research Program Religion and Human Rights 2.0 to assess attitude toward socio-economic human rights and attitude toward euthanasia and abortion. In respect of attitude toward euthanasia and abortion, church attendance and personal prayer work in the same direction and with cumulative effect. Lowest acceptance of euthanasia and abortion is found among young people who attend church and pray. In respect of attitude toward socio-economic human rights, church attendance and personal prayer work in opposite directions. Frequent church attendance (extrinsic religiosity) is associated with lower endorsement of socio-economic human rights. Frequent prayer (intrinsic religiosity) is associated with higher endorsement of socio-economic human rights.

Highlights

IntroductionDespite a growing volume of academic literature on the return of religion in contemporary society [1], empirical research assessing the importance of the return of religion for adolescents is still in its early stages
Within the specific social context of contemporary Romania and within the theological context of contemporary Orthodox Christianity, two contrasting sets of hypotheses were shaped to propose the connections between the two contrasting religious orientations and two contrasting attitudinal areas
In respect of attitude toward socio-economic human rights, it was hypothesised that high levels of church attendance would be associated with lower endorsement of socio-economic human rights, while high levels of personal prayer would be associated with higher endorsement of socio-economic human rights

Summary

Introduction

Despite a growing volume of academic literature on the return of religion in contemporary society [1], empirical research assessing the importance of the return of religion for adolescents is still in its early stages. This is true in relation to the study of the influence of religion on adolescents’ understanding of and support for various forms of human rights and social values. The present study proposes an empirical assessment of the impact of some aspects of religiosity on issues related to matters of bioethics (abortion and euthanasia), and on some specific socio-economic rights. In order to provide the wider context for the current study, we will further with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations

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Conclusion